Svensson-mania!

Forget Beckham-mania - the big thing here in Sweden is Svensson-mania.

The two Swedish Saints stars are a huge hit wherever the team go.

For once James Beattie is something of a bystander as Michael and Anders Svensson are mobbed for autographs at every turn.

And with his golden good looks Anders Svensson gets even more attention than his namesake.

As the players left Wednesday's opening match in Jonkoping, he had to fight his way through a huge crush of young fans who wanted him to sign programmes, shirts or scraps of paper.

And he can expect the same superstar treatment tomorrow afternoon when Saints take on Varnamo in the homely setting of Ullared, kick-off 4pm (3pm UK time).

Everyone will want to see the Golden Boy of Swedish football who has national hero status for his stunning free-kick which knocked Argentina out of the World Cup.

He admits he finds it hard to handle, not because he does not like signing autographs but because he cannot do enough.

He said: "I find it very hard that I cannot always sign for everyone but sometimes it is simply not possible.

"On Wednesday there was a huge crowd of people all wanting my autograph.

"I signed dozens and did all that I could but the team bus was waiting to go.

"I stayed as long as I could but then I had to go. I hate to disappoint anyone but there was nothing I could do."

It will be the same again in Ullared which has a population of just 1200 with its industry based on a giant discount warehouse famed for selling cheap clothes. It attracts visitors from all over Sweden and as far away as Germany and Poland.